Kitesurf Competition Accra Barbados

by HEATHER-LYNN EVANSON
WINDSURFING AND KITESURFING enthusiasts are expected to descend on Accra Beach when Barbados Windfest 2008 comes off at month-end.
At least 100 extreme surfers from England, Europe and Barbados are expected to take to the skies over the South Coast for the event which is in its third year.
Publicist Veronica Little of Rolling Deep Communications, who are responsible for marketing the event, explained this year's event was switched not only from the beginning of the year but also from last year's home of Silver Rock, Silver Sands, Christ Church, as well.
"We had traditionally done it in January but by moving it on further into the year, we were able to market it in the U.K. and we've actually run a competition in Boards Magazine in the U.K. for a couple to win a trip over here," she said.
Little told the MIDWEEK NATION the change in venue could mean that at least 500 spectators could descend on Accra Beach on each day of the two-day event.
"We'll have quite a lot of locals as well and Europeans are usually quite keen on it, so we'll have Italians, the Germans, the French," she added.
Wave-riders will compete in the windsurfing expression, windsurfing slalom, kitesurfing expression and the grand finale downwind race from Long Beach, Christ Church, to Accra.
Surfing is also slated to be part of the event but that category will be dependent on that weekend's conditions.
Last year's winner of the windsurf expression, Gregg Howard, is set to defend his title, as is winner of the downwind races, kite surfer Steve Campbell.
The island is also expected to benefit from massive exposure, as the event will be featured in extreme sports magazines in the United States, Britain, Italy, Germany, and France.
"We've worked with all the European board and kitesurfing magazines. Previously we have had Sky Sports; they've covered it and we also had it on the travel shows as well," she said.
"It basically will promote Barbados as an excellent wind and kitesurfing destination," Little further explained.
"Overseas people think of Barbados in terms of white sandy beaches, blue seas, swaying palm trees, but they don't necessarily think, if you're into extreme sports like kitesurfing, that Barbados is the place to come so it's really about promoting Barbados as a wind and kite surfing destination."
The action, however, is not going to be limited to professional competitors, as spectators will have the opportunity to take part in paddle racing, beach volleyball and tug of war. The event is slated for the weekend of May 31 and June 1.